Four Tips for Writing Workplace Thank You Notes

There’s something about workplace thank you notes that really make employees feel appreciated. A verbal thank you is helpful as well, but when you take the time to put pen to paper, it carries more weight and becomes a memorable keepsake.

People often show workplace thank you notes to others and post them at their workspaces. That means your recipient feels valued, and others see that hard work and achievement are appreciated at your company.

Workplace thank you notes are so important that entire businesses are dedicated to them—Cover Letters and Resumes provides diverse samples you can customize. Letters of appreciation and gratitude aren’t just nice to do; they motivate employees and improve productivity. They also encourage behaviors that you want people to continue.

Your written gratitude is Worth the Effort

Human resources expert Susan M. Heathfield, in “How to Write an Employee Recognition Letter,” advises:

“Employee recognition is worth the time and the money you spend on it. You have no other tool at your disposal that so predictably makes employees feel good about your company and goals.”

Employees value personal, meaningful workplace thank you notes. To be meaningful, notes should be specific about the behaviors you’re recognizing and delivered promptly after workers meet or exceed objectives.

There is a reason top CEO’s such as Indyra Nooyi and Doug Conant have built reputations around their commitment to writing personal workplace thank you notes. It motivates their team and builds engagement, loyalty and good will.

Don’t Forget Those Behind the Scenes

Everyone deserves recognition, so don’t forget employees who work behind the scenes. Their efforts might not be as visible, but they shouldn’t be taken for granted When’s the last time you thanked the cleaning staff, the mail-room or cafeteria workers. They work hard to make your business successful too!

As Workplace-Communication.com observes in “Employee Recognition Letters”:

“These employees deserve every bit of recognition they can get. Taking some time to write and give employee recognition letters to them would be one of the best ways to show that they are valued and appreciated.”

Four Top Tips for workplace thank you notes

Employee recognition letters don’t have to be elaborate or formal, but are most effective when you follow these four tips:

1. Specifically describe the behavior you’d like to encourage.
2. Thank the employee and express appreciation for his or her contribution.
3. Write and give workplace thank you notes as soon as possible after the event you’re praising
4. Hand-write the notes whenever possible. Choose to send a thoughtful, personal email of thanks rather than delivering something that reads like a form letter.

“Don’t ever underestimate the joy an employee experiences when he or she receives an employee recognition letter from someone who is important to them at work,” Heathfield writes.

Recognizing employee’s contributions shows you’re paying attention and that you care. And when you write thoughtful workplace thank you notes, they’re tangible keepsakes workers can treasure. We hope you share your gratitude generously this holiday season!

Interested in more about employee recognition? Download our FREE eBook, “The Ultimate Guide to Employee Gift-Giving”.  Learn from HR experts what really works.



About gThankYou, LLC
Turkey Gift Certificates and Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificates by gThankYou! are two of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand (Turkey or Turkey Or Ham), at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.
gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with a variety of easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime.  gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and our free Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo. And, nearly all orders ship same day.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin.  Contact:  Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.